How to teach children with learning disabilities in 2021

Having a learning disability affects the way a child understands information and how they communicate. This means that they can have difficulty understanding new or complex information and new skills. Research has found that 8–10 per cent of American children under the age of 18 have some type of learning disability. Whilst every child has trouble with homework from time to time, if a certain area of learning is consistently problematic then this could indicate a learning disorder. Click here for signs and symptoms of learning disabilities.

Accepting that your child has a learning disability can be difficult, but the most important thing to remember is that the majority of children with learning disabilities are just as smart as everyone else. They simply need to be taught in ways that are fitted to their own unique learning styles. In learning more about learning disabilities in general, as well as your child’s learning disabilities in particular, you can help find the way for success at school and at home. It is particularly important that we learn our children’s unique learning styles now more than ever due to the impact that COVID-19 has had on our schools and education, specifically special education.

How do you teach a child with special needs and learning disabilities? Considerations?

• Do not try and cure your child’s learning disability. Your job as a parent should not be to cure your child’s learning disability. This can only lead to disappointment. Your job should be to give your child social and emotional tools which will help them to work better through their challenges. Repeatedly facing and overcoming challenges will help in the long run because this will allow your child to grow stronger and more resilient.
• Remember that your child will follow your lead. Always have a positive outlook on their learning. This positive outlook is likely to reflect on your child and make them have a positive outlook on learning too! A good attitude towards your child’s learning disability will give them the hope and confidence that things are going to improve in their education!
• Do not forget yourself! It is easy to get involved in your child’s needs and forget your own. Your physical and emotional needs need to be met or you will run yourself into the ground and be of no help to your child’s learning. Click here for tips on taking care of yourself.
• Communicate with friends and family. Often a child’s learning disability is kept secret from the rest of the family, which means that the child can be perceived as being lazy or hyperactive, when in fact that is a symptom of their disability. Letting family members in, can support you and your child’s progress.

What are effective teaching methods for students with learning disabilities?

You should identify how your child learns best. With or without a learning disability children have different ways of learning which woks for them. Reading can work for some children however, listening can work for others. Identifying their primary learning style will be very beneficial. Once you find their most effective way of learning you can make sure that this learning style is reinforced in the classroom and at home.

Effective teaching methods include:

• Learning auditorily — this is where the child learns best by listening. They are more likely to achieve when in lecture-based learning environments and on oral tests. They may also benefit from classroom discussions, spoken directions and study groups. Often children who love music, language and being on stage, prefer this learning style.
• Learning kinesthetically — this is where the child learns best by doing and moving. They are more likely to achieve when they can move, touch, explore and create things. They may also benefit from hands on activities, lab classes, field trips and props. Often children who love sports, drama, dance, martial arts, as well as arts and crafts, prefer this learning style.

Tips for communicating with children with special needs

• Be concise. Be literal and to the point to avoid miscommunication and ensure that the child clearly understands what is being asked of them. Clear communication will also reduce the possibility of overwhelming the child.
• Have patience. Children with special needs may take longer than others to carry out a task. Being rushed can be distressing and discomforting for the child as well as yourself.

Conclusion

Never forget that the way you behave and respond to challenges and struggles will impact your child greatly. A good attitude will not solve all your problems associated with your child’s learning disability; however, it can give your child the hope and confidence needed for them to improve and succeed.

Originally published at https://www.senploy.co.uk on February 15, 2021.